MUSIC

Staff Members

L. MacMillan – Principal Teacher of Music
D. Moore – Teacher of Music
H. Keenan - Teacher of Music
A. Burns – Instrumental Teacher (Violin & Viola)
A. Gonzalez – Instrumental Teacher (Woodwind)
S. Bird – Instrumental Teacher (Brass)
L. Davidson – Instrumental Teacher (Voice)
P. Henderson – Instrumental Teacher (Guitar)
G. Welsh – Instrumental Teacher (Percussion)
D. O'Connell – Instrumental Teacher (Cello & Bass)
P. Stevenson – Instrumental Teacher (Bagpipes)
L. Eaton - Instrumental Teacher (Double Bass)

Introduction

Music helps the brain to develop .Different studies have proven that the comprehension of musical language can benefit a child's overall mental development. Figures show that students who study music are more successful on standardised tests and are also likely to achieve better grades in high school.

Music helps us communicate, collaborate and develop our creativity. Music helps our brain make connections that support our learning in other areas, such as literacy and numeracy. Music helps us express and engage with our emotions.

Studying music can also lead to a variety of exciting careers, including:

Performer
Conductor
Composer
Music Publisher
Education
Music Therapist
DJ
Radio presenter
Recording Engineer
Video Game composer
Tour Manager

Studying music requires you to be disciplined, hard-working, and creative. However, learning music can serve as a personal development tool to help you hone in the skills you already have. Also, it can allow you to practice skills that you’ll need to use in other life situations.

S1-3 Music

Throughout S1-3, pupils will have the opportunity to develop skills on a wide range of instruments including keyboard, guitar, drum kit, voice and many more. Pupils will also have the opportunity to play as a soloist and as part of a group.

S1 - Taster courses in each instrument allow pupils to choose which two instruments they will specialise in during S1 and S2.

S3 - Pupils continue to develop skills on their chosen instruments in solo and group performing situations.

Pupils will also develop their knowledge of:

Music theory, which is essential for both reading and writing music.
Styles, genres and instruments.
Key music terminology to help them comment on features in music.
Compositional techniques.

National 5 Music

Sufficiently accurate performing skills in solo and/or group settings on two selected instruments or on one instrument and voice.
The ability to create original music using compositional methods and music concepts and music concepts when composing, arranging or improvising.
Deeper knowledge and understanding of music and musical literacy by listening to music • Identifying level-specific annotated music signs, symbols, concepts and styles.

The National 5 course has four components.

Question Paper – (35%)
Assignment - (15%)
Performance on instrument 1 – (25%) (Grade 3 minimum)
Performance on instrument 2 – (25%) (Grade 3 minimum)

Higher Music

Higher Music course combines practical learning and understanding of music. Candidates draw upon their understanding of musical styles and concepts when performing and creating music. Candidates use musical concepts in creative ways, within a range of compositional methods, as they compose original music reflecting on their creative choices. Through listening, they develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of musical styles, level-specific concepts, and signs and symbols used in musical notation. Candidates develop their performing skills on two selected instruments, or on one selected instrument and voice.

The Higher course has four components:

Question Paper – (35%)
Assignment – (15%)
Performance on instrument 1 – (25%) (Grade 4 Minimum)
Performance on instrument 2 – (25%) (Grade 4 Minimum

Advanced Higher Music

This course enables learners to develop skills in performing, creating, understanding and analysing music and to develop greater depth of understanding of music through listening. It provides learners with the skills they need to perform challenging music with musical and technical accuracy and fluency, while realising the composers’ intentions. It also provides learners with opportunities to develop composing skills in sophisticated and creative ways. Furthermore, the course also helps learners develop advanced aural skills and demonstrate their understanding and analysis of music through researching and analysing complete movements or works.

The course assessment has five components: three mandatory components and two optional components.

Question Paper – (35%)
Assignment – (15%)
Performance on instrument 1 – (25%)(Grade 5 minimum)
Performance on instrument 2 – (25%) (Grade 5 minimum)

Portfolio – (25%)